How to Fish Leech Lake: Best Patterns & Techniques

Leech Lake

Published: Nov 1, 2018Updated: May 26, 2025

Table of Contents

Spring Fishing Patterns on Leech Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	57-74	Bass are actively moving shallow (2-4 feet) and staging in pre-spawn areas, often found in groups of 4 or more Fish are seeking the warmest available water and becoming increasingly aggressive in feeding patterns Bass are utilizing shallow vegetation as staging areas, with increased activity during warmer parts of the day	Shallow grassy flats with submerged vegetation in 2-4 feet Reed beds and emergent vegetation edges Protected shallow bays with slightly warmer water	Swim Jigs worked steadily through vegetation Texas Rigs (Worming) with weightless presentation Structure Jigs worked around reed edges	Bluegill Perch	Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	45-61	Pre-spawn walleyes are moving to shallow rocky areas and points, actively feeding in preparation for spawning activities Most active during low light conditions (dawn/dusk) but overcast days can extend feeding periods in shallow water Fish are transitioning from winter patterns to spawning locations, following temperature-based movements	Shallow rocky points and shorelines with rubble bottom Transition areas between deep wintering holes and spawning grounds Protected bays with warmer water temperatures	Live Bait Rigs worked slowly along bottom transitions Blade Baits worked with slow lift-and-drop near structure Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with controlled movements	Perch in the 8-15 foot depth range Crawfish becoming active in rocky areas Small minnows in warming shallow bays	Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	52-65	Smallmouth bass are transitioning from winter areas to pre-spawn staging locations, actively feeding on crawfish around rocky structure Fish are becoming more aggressive as water temperatures rise, with feeding activity concentrated in the 8-15 foot depth range	Rock piles and boulder fields in 8-15 foot depth range Transition areas between winter deep water and spawning flats Isolated boulders adjacent to spawning areas	Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked slowly along bottom Drop Shot with small profile baits Ned Rigs dragged through rocky areas	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy Small baitfish moving shallow with warming trends	Natural Craw Colors Green Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	42-52	Pre-spawn perch are transitioning from winter patterns to spawning areas, actively feeding in preparation for spawning Fish are moving from deeper basin areas toward shallower spawning locations, often staging at transitional depths Schooling behavior is prominent, with large groups of perch moving together and feeding opportunistically	Deep weed edge transitions in 15-25 foot range where remaining green weeds exist Sand flats adjacent to deeper water, especially those with scattered rock or gravel Protected bays with gradual slopes leading to spawning areas	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Live Bait Rigs Blade Baits	Small minnows and young-of-year baitfish Aquatic insects emerging from winter dormancy Benthic invertebrates	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Muskie	45-58	Muskies are transitioning from winter haunts to pre-spawn staging areas, following baitfish movements near the dam and other current-influenced areas Fish are becoming more active but still relatively lethargic, preferring slower-moving presentations in deeper water adjacent to spawning areas	Dam area with current breaks and baitfish congregation Deep-to-shallow transitions near spawning bays Rock-weed transition areas in 8-15 foot depth range	Spoons worked with a slow, deliberate retrieve near current breaks Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked along transition areas Inline Spinners near shallow spawning areas as water warms	Perch congregating near dam structure Walleye in pre-spawn movements Various baitfish schools in current areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Natural Craw Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Lake Whitefish	38-48	Moving from deeper winter basins to moderate depths (20-35 feet) as water temperatures begin to rise, following preferred temperature zones Actively feeding on small baitfish and aquatic insects, with increased activity during early morning and late evening periods Suspending in the water column, typically 5-15 feet off bottom, following zooplankton and insect populations	Transitional areas between deep basins and shallower flats (25-35 feet) Points and underwater humps adjacent to deep water Deep bays with gradual slopes where insects begin early spring emergence	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') Blade Baits	Small baitfish schools suspending in the water column Early spring emerging aquatic insects Zooplankton concentrations in the upper water column	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	57-69	Bass are in various spawn phases with some pre-spawn and others post-spawn, actively utilizing shallow areas near reed beds and matted grass Fish are showing aggressive feeding patterns, particularly around bluegill spawning areas and in areas with mixed vegetation Movement patterns indicate fish transitioning between staging areas and spawning zones, with water temperature around upper 60s driving activity	Reed beds with adjacent deeper water access Mixed vegetation areas combining reeds, sand, and matted grass Protected shallow bays with healthy weed growth	Swim Jigs worked along reed edges and through vegetation Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) in thick cover and spawning areas Blade Baits for covering water to locate active fish	Bluegill in shallow spawning areas Perch relating to reed edges Various baitfish in transitional areas	Dark Neutrals Green Colors Natural Craw Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	45-61	Walleyes are in spring spawning pattern, moving between shallow spawning areas and adjacent feeding zones in 8-15 foot depths Fish are most active during low light periods, with feeding windows extending longer on overcast days Post-spawn fish are transitioning to deeper water as temperatures warm, staying active in the 12-14 foot range during bright conditions	Submerged vegetation edges in 8-15 feet of water Rocky points with mixed boulder and gravel substrate Shallow flats with sporadic weeds and rocks in 12-14 feet	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with live bait around spawning areas Ned Rigs worked slowly along weed edges Finesse Jigs dragged across rocky points Bobbers with live bait for suspended fish	Minnows gathering in spawning areas Perch relating to weed edges Small baitfish schools in transition areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	65-67	Smallmouth bass actively making and guarding spawning beds near isolated boulders and rock piles in 8-12 feet of water Fish are territorial and aggressive when protecting beds, responding well to bottom-oriented presentations	Isolated boulders adjacent to main rock piles in 8-12 foot depth range Offshore structure with rock or boulder composition Protected bays with hard bottom composition suitable for spawning	Drop Shot with heavier weights for quick descent to bottom Ned Rigs slowly dragged along bottom near boulders Tubes pitched to visible beds or likely spawning areas	Crawfish actively moving in rocky areas Small baitfish relating to spawning areas	Natural Craw Colors Green Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Yellow Perch	42-52	Yellow perch are actively spawning in shallow areas, typically moving in large schools. Males arrive first, followed by egg-laden females. Fish are more focused on spawning activity than feeding during peak spawn. Post-spawn perch gradually transition to deeper water, suspending in basin areas as noted in reports, likely following baitfish schools.	Shallow reed points with mud transitions, particularly where new vegetation growth is starting Sand flats in 4-8 feet of water near spawning areas Transition areas between shallow spawning locations and deeper basin areas	Live Bait Rigs with small minnows or pieces of nightcrawler worked slowly along bottom transitions Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') with light jigs tipped with live bait Small Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked slowly through spawning areas	Small invertebrates and aquatic insects emerging with spring warming Small minnows and young-of-year baitfish Zooplankton in post-spawn transition areas	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Muskie	48-60	Spawning muskie are moving from deep wintering areas to shallow spawning bays and backwaters, typically in 6-12 feet of water Post-spawn females will move to adjacent deeper water to recover, while males may guard spawning areas for a short period	Protected shallow bays with emergent vegetation, especially near deeper water access Dam area with current breaks and congregating baitfish Vegetation and rock transitions in 8-15 feet of water	Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) worked slowly near spawning areas Spinnerbaits retrieved steadily along vegetation edges Spoons worked methodically in the dam area where baitfish congregate	Perch gathering in shallow spawning areas Various baitfish species concentrated near current breaks	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Lake Whitefish	38-48	Lake whitefish transitioning from winter deep water patterns to shallower spawning areas, actively feeding during pre-spawn Fish moving in large schools, following temperature breaks and responding to emerging insect activity	Deep water transitions to shallow gravel or rocky flats (15-25 feet) Secondary points and shallow bays with firm bottom composition Areas where deep basins meet structural elements like underwater points	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Live Bait Rigs Spoons	Emerging aquatic insects and larvae Small baitfish in transitional areas Zooplankton in upper water column	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	57-68	Post-spawn largemouth are grouping up and becoming nomadic, following baitfish and relating heavily to thick cover Fish are responding negatively to cold fronts, requiring slower, more finesse presentations Bass are actively feeding on bluegill and other panfish near their spawning areas	Reed beds with mixed vegetation, especially those on offshore patches Matted grass areas with heavy cover Transition areas between different types of vegetation	Swim Jigs worked through vegetation Neko Rigs and Wacky Rigs for finicky post-spawn fish Texas Rigs with beaver-style baits dragged slowly through cover	Bluegill near spawning areas Crawfish in reed beds and vegetation Crappie in staging areas	Dark Neutrals Natural Craw Colors Green Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	56-66	Walleyes are actively feeding but showing preference for slower presentations, particularly during daylight hours, with increased activity during low light periods Fish are holding on structure in 9-14 foot depths, requiring targeted presentations near bottom	Rocky points with adjacent sand transitions in 8-15 foot depths Sand flats near weed edges in 11-14 feet Main lake structure (reefs and boulders) in 9-14 feet	Live Bait Rigs with leeches or minnows worked slowly (0.5-0.6 mph) Finesse Hair Jigs snapped or slowly worked along bottom Bobbers with leeches during low light periods	Minnows (particularly fathead minnows and shiners) Perch in areas with rock-to-sand transitions	Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	65-72	Post-spawn smallmouth actively feeding in 8-12 foot depths, showing aggressive chase behavior and responding well to moving baits Fish relating heavily to boulder fields and rock piles, using these areas as primary feeding zones Most active during periods with some wind, becoming more selective when conditions are calm	Boulder fields and rock piles in 8-12 feet of water Shallow rock and sand mixtures in main lake areas Rocky points and submerged rock islands	Soft Jerkbaits with long casts and moderate retrieve Finesse Hair Jigs worked slowly near bottom structure Texas Rigs (Worming) around boulder fields	Minnows - primary forage based on aggressive chase behavior Insects - especially around shallow rock structure Perch - particularly around deeper boulder fields Crawfish - relating to rocky structure	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Craw Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	52-62	Post-spawn perch are actively schooling in open water/basin areas, suspending and following baitfish schools Fish are showing strong feeding patterns during daylight hours, likely due to improved visibility in moderate clarity water	Open water basin areas with depths of 10-19 feet Transitional areas between vegetation and hard structure Deep weed edges with adjacent rock structure	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Hover/Mid-Strolling Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium)	Minnows Small invertebrates	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Muskie	55-65	Post-spawn muskies are transitioning from spawning areas to early summer feeding patterns, often relating to newly emerging weed growth and shallow structure Fish are becoming more active but still recovering from spawn, making them more likely to ambush prey from predictable locations	Dam area with current breaks where baitfish congregate Emerging weed edges near spawning bays Rock-to-vegetation transition areas in 8-15 foot depth range	Trolling Shallow (0-9') along emerging weed edges and breaklines Spinnerbaits worked slowly through transition areas Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) for targeting fish holding on specific structure	Perch gathering in newly forming weed beds Various baitfish species concentrated near current breaks Young-of-year baitfish beginning to emerge in shallows	Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Lake Whitefish	42-55	Post-spawn whitefish gradually transition from shallow spawning areas to deeper, cooler water, following temperature preferences and food sources Fish are actively feeding to recover from spawn, targeting insects and small baitfish in the water column Schools tend to suspend at varying depths throughout the day, following zooplankton and insect movements	Deep basin edges where 20-30 foot depths meet structure Mid-depth flats adjacent to deep water in 15-25 foot range Points and steep breaks near primary basin areas	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') Blade Baits	Emerging aquatic insects and larvae Zooplankton concentrations Small baitfish schools	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors

Summer Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	66-78	Bass are heavily relating to thick vegetation, especially reeds, rice, and lily pads, utilizing these areas as ambush points for feeding Fish are most active during early morning and evening hours, moving deep into thick cover during bright conditions Bass are showing aggressive feeding behavior on the edges of vegetation and in pockets within dense cover	Reed points with floating milfoil mats and transitions between vegetation types Thick rice beds with mixed lily pads, especially those near deeper water Shallow vegetation with pockets and edges, particularly in 1-4 feet of water	Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) with heavy tackle in thick cover Frogs/Toads worked over matted vegetation and pads Swim Jigs worked through vegetation edges	Crawfish - primary forage based on multiple reports Bluegill - secondary forage especially around vegetation	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Walleye	70-77	Walleyes are actively feeding near weed edges and rock-to-sand transitions in 8-15 feet of water during summer, with increased activity during lower light conditions Fish are showing classic temperature-influenced behavior, suspending near structure during day and moving shallower to feed during morning/evening	Weed edges with adjacent sand spots in 10-14 feet Rock-to-sand transitions in 10-15 feet of water Main lake points with access to deeper water	Trolling Shallow (0-9') with crankbaits 125-150 feet behind boat at 2.2-2.5mph Bobbers with live bait in 10-14 feet near weed edges Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') with snap jigging presentation	Crawfish - particularly around rocky areas Perch - especially near weed edges Minnows - throughout various structure types	Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Craw Colors
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	70-78	Smallmouth bass are actively feeding on rocky structures in 8-15 foot depth range, particularly around isolated boulders and rock piles Fish are relating heavily to bottom structure and responding well to finesse presentations, showing selective feeding behavior typical of summer patterns	Isolated boulders in 10-15 feet of water on main lake points Rock piles and transitions near sand in 6-10 feet of water Large boulder fields with subtle depth changes	Drop Shot with finesse baits worked slowly near bottom structure Ned Rigs worked methodically around rocky areas Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) worked along rock transitions	Crawfish - primary forage evidenced by multiple reports Minnows - secondary forage mentioned in several reports	Natural Craw Colors Green Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Summer	Yellow Perch	68-75	Actively feeding along deep weed edges and rock transitions, often schooling with walleye and pike in these areas Feeding patterns split between minnows and insect hatches, suggesting both bottom-oriented and suspended feeding activity	Deep weed edges adjacent to rock structure Rock reefs with nearby vegetation Transitional areas between vegetation and hard bottom	Hard Jerkbaits worked along weed edges Trolling Shallow (0-9') parallel to structure breaks Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium) near rock-weed transitions	Minnows concentrated along structure edges Aquatic insects during active hatches	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Summer	Muskie	65-77	Muskies are actively patrolling weed edges and rock-to-vegetation transitions during early morning and evening hours, with frequent moves to deeper adjacent areas during bright midday periods Fish are engaging in opportunistic feeding behavior, utilizing the complex shoreline structure and abundant baitfish populations for ambush points	Weed edges adjacent to deep-to-shallow transitions, particularly in 8-15 foot depth range Rock-to-vegetation transition areas, especially near points and irregular shoreline features Submerged vegetation beds near deep water access	Trolling Shallow (0-9') along weed edges and points during low light periods Large Hair Jigs (Preacher) worked along deep weed edges Soft Body Swimbaits (Large) with steady retrieves through transition areas	Perch concentrating around weed edges Walleye suspended near deep-to-shallow transitions Various baitfish schools relating to structure	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Summer	Lake Whitefish	52-62	During summer, Lake Whitefish move deeper to find cooler water, typically suspending in the water column near thermocline or following schools of baitfish Feeding activity peaks during early morning and late evening, with fish moving higher in the water column during these periods to feed on insects and small baitfish	Deep basins adjacent to underwater points where fish suspend in cooler water Mid-lake humps and deep structure in 25-40 foot range Areas where thermocline intersects with prominent structure	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') Spoons	Aquatic insects, particularly emerging larvae and pupae Small baitfish schools suspended in the water column Zooplankton concentrations in the upper water column	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors

Fall Fishing Guide for Leech Lake

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	57-65	Bass are actively moving shallow and schooling, targeting bluegill and perch in and around reed beds and weed-rock edges Fish are exhibiting aggressive feeding behavior, particularly around vegetation stopping points and transition areas Schools are stacking up in specific locations, especially around reed points and weed edges in 12-16 foot range	Reed points and vegetation stopping points in shallow water Weed-rock edges in 12-16 foot range Mixed rice and reed areas with adjacent deeper water	Frogs/Toads worked through mixed rice and reed areas Texas Rigs (Pitch/Flip) around reed points Deep Diving Crankbaits (13'+) along weed-rock edges Drop Shot when fish are holding on deeper structure	Bluegill concentrated in shallow vegetation Perch schooling along weed-rock edges Various baitfish utilizing reed edges as cover	Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors
Fall	Walleye	48-55	Actively feeding on baitfish schools in mid-depth flats (10-14 feet), with increased activity during low light periods Transitioning between daytime deeper haunts and shallow nighttime feeding zones (4-10 feet)	Mid-depth flats (10-14 feet) holding large schools of baitfish Clean-bottom shallow flats in 4-10 feet for night fishing Weed edges and rocky points transitioning to deeper water	Slow trolling with 1/16 oz jigs and large minnows at 0.5-0.7 mph Snap-jigging with 1/4 oz jigs and fluke-style soft plastics Night trolling with shallow-running crankbaits (Shad Raps, Scatter Minnows)	Large schools of baitfish (primary forage) Perch	Purple Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	52-68	Smallmouth bass are actively feeding to build energy reserves for winter, following baitfish schools and targeting crawfish near rocky structures Fish are transitioning from summer deep water patterns to intermediate depths, particularly active during warming trends	Main lake points with boulder clusters in 12-20 foot range Secondary points with access to deep water Rocky shorelines adjacent to deep water	Drop Shot worked slowly along bottom structure Ned Rigs dragged through rocky areas Tubes bounced along rocky structure	Crawfish seeking shelter in rocky areas Baitfish schools suspending near structure Young of the year fish congregating near points	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Yellow Perch	45-62	Yellow perch form larger schools during fall, actively feeding to build up reserves for winter while following baitfish schools in deeper water Fish become more aggressive during cooling water periods, especially during prime feeding windows near dawn and dusk	Deep weed edges (15-25 feet) where vegetation meets hard bottom structure Basin areas adjacent to structural elements where schools suspend following baitfish Points and transitions where bottom composition changes, especially mud to rock or sand	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') with aggressive lifts and drops to trigger reaction strikes Drop Shot with small minnow imitations worked slowly through suspended schools Blade Baits worked along bottom transitions to imitate fleeing baitfish	Small, schooling baitfish (shiners, young-of-year perch) Remaining aquatic invertebrates before winter Juvenile panfish along weed edges	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Fall	Muskie	55-68	Actively feeding and bulking up for winter, with increased aggression towards larger prey Following baitfish schools to shallow flats and weed edges during cooling trends Becoming more active during midday as water temperatures cool, particularly on sunny days	Weed edges adjacent to deep water transitions Rock-to-vegetation transition areas in 8-15 foot depth Points and irregular shoreline features near baitfish concentrations	Large Soft Body Swimbaits worked parallel to weed edges Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') along transition areas Spinnerbaits retrieved steadily through scattered vegetation	Perch schooling near vegetation edges Walleye in transition areas Various baitfish species congregating in pods	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Purple Colors
Fall	Lake Whitefish	45-55	Whitefish begin transitioning from shallower summer grounds to deeper water, following temperature changes and forming pre-winter schools Feeding activity increases as fish prepare for winter, targeting both suspended baitfish and insect larvae in the water column	Deep basin edges where depths transition from 20 to 30 feet, especially near complex shoreline areas Mid-lake structures and points that provide access to both deep water and feeding shelves Areas where underwater points extend into deeper basins, creating current breaks and feeding zones	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') Blade Baits	Small baitfish schools suspending in the water column Aquatic insect larvae, particularly chironomids Zooplankton in areas of good light penetration	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors

Winter & Ice Fishing Patterns

Season	Species	Water Temp	Behavioral Patterns	Key Locations	Best Techniques	Forage Types	Bait Colors
Winter	Walleye	42-55	Walleye actively chasing baitfish schools in predictable 10-14 foot depth ranges during low-light conditions Light-sensitive behavior becomes more pronounced in clear water (3.1m Secchi), with peak activity during overcast days and dawn/dusk periods	Deep weed edges adjacent to rock/boulder structures Points and transition areas between structure types in 8-15 foot range Areas where baitfish schools concentrate near structural elements	Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') Blade Baits Soft Body Swimbaits (Small/Medium)	Schools of perch in the 8-15 foot depth range Minnows congregating near structure Crawfish near rocky structures	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Winter	Yellow Perch	40-48	Schooling more densely near transitional areas between shallow sand flats and deeper mud bottoms Most active during early morning and late afternoon periods, shifting between warm and cool water zones Feeding more opportunistically on smaller prey items and invertebrates due to slower metabolism	Shallow sand flats adjacent to deeper mud transitions (8-15 feet) Reed points with gradual drops to deeper water Protected bays with mixed bottom composition	Vertical Jigging Shallow (0-9') Drop Shot Live Bait Rigs	Small invertebrates and larvae Smaller baitfish Aquatic insects	Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors Light Neutral Colors
Winter	Muskie	55-62	Muskie remain active in open water during winter, primarily concentrating near deeper structural elements that hold baitfish schools Fish are less aggressive but will still feed opportunistically, especially during stable weather patterns and peak daylight hours	Deep rock-to-weed transition areas in 15-25 foot range Dam area current breaks where baitfish congregate Deep points adjacent to large bays where baitfish schools winter	Trolling Mid Depth (10-19') with large soft body swimbaits Vertical Jigging Mid Depth (10-19') near baitfish schools Large Hair Jigs (Preacher) worked slowly through transitional areas	Schooled perch in deeper water Concentrated walleye schools near structure	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Lake Whitefish	34-42	Lake Whitefish actively suspending in deeper water column feeding on zooplankton and small baitfish schools during winter Fish schooling in deep basins during winter months, making feeding movements up and down in the water column based on light conditions	Deep basins with depths over 30 feet where whitefish school Mid-depth transition areas near deep basins where suspended baitfish congregate Areas with current or water movement that concentrate zooplankton	Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) Blade Baits Spoons	Zooplankton concentrations in the water column Small baitfish schools Aquatic insects	Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors
Ice	Walleye	34-39	Walleyes are concentrating on humps in Walker Bay, showing strong preference for low light periods Fish are holding in deeper water (25-35 feet), likely relating to schools of suspended baitfish	Deep humps in Walker Bay (25-35 feet) Transition areas between humps and basin Secondary break lines near primary structural elements	Ice Fishing Spoons with aggressive jigging during low light periods Ice Fishing Jigs worked more subtly during bright conditions Ice Fishing Tip-Ups set along depth transitions	Suspended baitfish schools Perch in smaller size classes	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Metallic Colors
Ice	Yellow Perch	38-42	Yellow perch congregating on shallow sand flats and reed points with mud transitions, actively feeding on insects Fish showing preference for bottom composition transitions in shallower water during ice season	Shallow sand flats with transitions to mud bottom Shallow reed points with mixed bottom composition Protected bays with remnant weed growth	Ice Fishing Jigs worked slowly near bottom Ice Fishing Spoons with erratic action Ice Fishing Tip-Ups for larger perch	Insects and larvae Small minnows near bottom transitions	Light Neutral Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Ice	Lake Whitefish	34-38	Whitefish are suspending in deep basins and actively feeding on insects and zooplankton during ice season. They school in suspended groups and respond well to flash and vibration. Fish move up and down in the water column throughout the day, following their prey and responding to light conditions.	Deep main lake basins where fish suspend in the water column Transitional areas between deep basins and adjacent structure Areas with consistent zooplankton and insect populations in the water column	Ice Fishing Jigs worked 18 inches below flashy attractor spoons Ice Fishing Spoons jigged actively to attract fish and trigger reaction strikes Vertical Jigging Deep (20'+) with small tungsten jigs for suspended fish	Insects, particularly small aquatic larvae and zooplankton Small baitfish suspended in the water column	Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors Natural Baitfish Colors

Key Seasonal Structures in Leech Lake

Season	Species	Primary Structure	Secondary Structure
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Shallow grassy flats with submerged vegetation in 2-4 feet	Reed beds and emergent vegetation edges
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Shallow rocky points and shorelines with rubble bottom	Transition areas between deep wintering holes and spawning grounds
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Rock piles and boulder fields in 8-15 foot depth range	Transition areas between winter deep water and spawning flats
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Deep weed edge transitions in 15-25 foot range where remaining green weeds exist	Sand flats adjacent to deeper water, especially those with scattered rock or gravel
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Muskie	Dam area with current breaks and baitfish congregation	Deep-to-shallow transitions near spawning bays
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Lake Whitefish	Transitional areas between deep basins and shallower flats (25-35 feet)	Points and underwater humps adjacent to deep water
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Reed beds with adjacent deeper water access	Mixed vegetation areas combining reeds, sand, and matted grass
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Submerged vegetation edges in 8-15 feet of water	Rocky points with mixed boulder and gravel substrate
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Isolated boulders adjacent to main rock piles in 8-12 foot depth range	Offshore structure with rock or boulder composition
Spring (Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Shallow reed points with mud transitions, particularly where new vegetation growth is starting	Sand flats in 4-8 feet of water near spawning areas
Spring (Spawn)	Muskie	Protected shallow bays with emergent vegetation, especially near deeper water access	Dam area with current breaks and congregating baitfish
Spring (Spawn)	Lake Whitefish	Deep water transitions to shallow gravel or rocky flats (15-25 feet)	Secondary points and shallow bays with firm bottom composition
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Reed beds with mixed vegetation, especially those on offshore patches	Matted grass areas with heavy cover
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Rocky points with adjacent sand transitions in 8-15 foot depths	Sand flats near weed edges in 11-14 feet
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Boulder fields and rock piles in 8-12 feet of water	Shallow rock and sand mixtures in main lake areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Open water basin areas with depths of 10-19 feet	Transitional areas between vegetation and hard structure
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Muskie	Dam area with current breaks where baitfish congregate	Emerging weed edges near spawning bays
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Lake Whitefish	Deep basin edges where 20-30 foot depths meet structure	Mid-depth flats adjacent to deep water in 15-25 foot range
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Reed points with floating milfoil mats and transitions between vegetation types	Thick rice beds with mixed lily pads, especially those near deeper water
Summer	Walleye	Weed edges with adjacent sand spots in 10-14 feet	Rock-to-sand transitions in 10-15 feet of water
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Isolated boulders in 10-15 feet of water on main lake points	Rock piles and transitions near sand in 6-10 feet of water
Summer	Yellow Perch	Deep weed edges adjacent to rock structure	Rock reefs with nearby vegetation
Summer	Muskie	Weed edges adjacent to deep-to-shallow transitions, particularly in 8-15 foot depth range	Rock-to-vegetation transition areas, especially near points and irregular shoreline features
Summer	Lake Whitefish	Deep basins adjacent to underwater points where fish suspend in cooler water	Mid-lake humps and deep structure in 25-40 foot range
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Reed points and vegetation stopping points in shallow water	Weed-rock edges in 12-16 foot range
Fall	Walleye	Mid-depth flats (10-14 feet) holding large schools of baitfish	Clean-bottom shallow flats in 4-10 feet for night fishing
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Main lake points with boulder clusters in 12-20 foot range	Secondary points with access to deep water
Fall	Yellow Perch	Deep weed edges (15-25 feet) where vegetation meets hard bottom structure	Basin areas adjacent to structural elements where schools suspend following baitfish
Fall	Muskie	Weed edges adjacent to deep water transitions	Rock-to-vegetation transition areas in 8-15 foot depth
Fall	Lake Whitefish	Deep basin edges where depths transition from 20 to 30 feet, especially near complex shoreline areas	Mid-lake structures and points that provide access to both deep water and feeding shelves
Winter	Walleye	Deep weed edges adjacent to rock/boulder structures	Points and transition areas between structure types in 8-15 foot range
Winter	Yellow Perch	Shallow sand flats adjacent to deeper mud transitions (8-15 feet)	Reed points with gradual drops to deeper water
Winter	Muskie	Deep rock-to-weed transition areas in 15-25 foot range	Dam area current breaks where baitfish congregate
Winter	Lake Whitefish	Deep basins with depths over 30 feet where whitefish school	Mid-depth transition areas near deep basins where suspended baitfish congregate
Ice	Walleye	Deep humps in Walker Bay (25-35 feet)	Transition areas between humps and basin
Ice	Yellow Perch	Shallow sand flats with transitions to mud bottom	Shallow reed points with mixed bottom composition
Ice	Lake Whitefish	Deep main lake basins where fish suspend in the water column	Transitional areas between deep basins and adjacent structure

Primary Forage by Season

Season	Species	Primary Forage	Secondary Forage
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill	Perch
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Perch in the 8-15 foot depth range	Crawfish becoming active in rocky areas
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish emerging from winter dormancy	Small baitfish moving shallow with warming trends
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Small minnows and young-of-year baitfish	Aquatic insects emerging from winter dormancy
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Muskie	Perch congregating near dam structure	Walleye in pre-spawn movements
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Lake Whitefish	Small baitfish schools suspending in the water column	Early spring emerging aquatic insects
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill in shallow spawning areas	Perch relating to reed edges
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Minnows gathering in spawning areas	Perch relating to weed edges
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish actively moving in rocky areas	Small baitfish relating to spawning areas
Spring (Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Small invertebrates and aquatic insects emerging with spring warming	Small minnows and young-of-year baitfish
Spring (Spawn)	Muskie	Perch gathering in shallow spawning areas	Various baitfish species concentrated near current breaks
Spring (Spawn)	Lake Whitefish	Emerging aquatic insects and larvae	Small baitfish in transitional areas
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill near spawning areas	Crawfish in reed beds and vegetation
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Minnows (particularly fathead minnows and shiners)	Perch in areas with rock-to-sand transitions
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Minnows - primary forage based on aggressive chase behavior	Insects - especially around shallow rock structure
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Minnows	Small invertebrates
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Muskie	Perch gathering in newly forming weed beds	Various baitfish species concentrated near current breaks
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Lake Whitefish	Emerging aquatic insects and larvae	Zooplankton concentrations
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Crawfish - primary forage based on multiple reports	Bluegill - secondary forage especially around vegetation
Summer	Walleye	Crawfish - particularly around rocky areas	Perch - especially near weed edges
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish - primary forage evidenced by multiple reports	Minnows - secondary forage mentioned in several reports
Summer	Yellow Perch	Minnows concentrated along structure edges	Aquatic insects during active hatches
Summer	Muskie	Perch concentrating around weed edges	Walleye suspended near deep-to-shallow transitions
Summer	Lake Whitefish	Aquatic insects, particularly emerging larvae and pupae	Small baitfish schools suspended in the water column
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Bluegill concentrated in shallow vegetation	Perch schooling along weed-rock edges
Fall	Walleye	Large schools of baitfish (primary forage)	Perch
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Crawfish seeking shelter in rocky areas	Baitfish schools suspending near structure
Fall	Yellow Perch	Small, schooling baitfish (shiners, young-of-year perch)	Remaining aquatic invertebrates before winter
Fall	Muskie	Perch schooling near vegetation edges	Walleye in transition areas
Fall	Lake Whitefish	Small baitfish schools suspending in the water column	Aquatic insect larvae, particularly chironomids
Winter	Walleye	Schools of perch in the 8-15 foot depth range	Minnows congregating near structure
Winter	Yellow Perch	Small invertebrates and larvae	Smaller baitfish
Winter	Muskie	Schooled perch in deeper water	Concentrated walleye schools near structure
Winter	Lake Whitefish	Zooplankton concentrations in the water column	Small baitfish schools
Ice	Walleye	Suspended baitfish schools	Perch in smaller size classes
Ice	Yellow Perch	Insects and larvae	Small minnows near bottom transitions
Ice	Lake Whitefish	Insects, particularly small aquatic larvae and zooplankton	Small baitfish suspended in the water column

Bait Colors by Season for Leech Lake

Season	Species	Bait Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Walleye	Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Green Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Muskie	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Natural Craw Colors
Spring (Pre-Spawn)	Lake Whitefish	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Green Colors Natural Craw Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Walleye	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Green Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Chartreuse Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Muskie	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Purple Colors
Spring (Spawn)	Lake Whitefish	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Largemouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Natural Craw Colors Green Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Walleye	Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Natural Craw Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Yellow Perch	Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors Metallic Colors
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Muskie	Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors Dark Neutrals
Spring (Post-Spawn)	Lake Whitefish	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Summer	Largemouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Dark Neutrals
Summer	Walleye	Natural Baitfish Colors Natural Craw Colors
Summer	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Green Colors Natural Baitfish Colors
Summer	Yellow Perch	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Summer	Muskie	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Summer	Lake Whitefish	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Fall	Largemouth Bass	Dark Neutrals Natural Baitfish Colors Green Colors
Fall	Walleye	Purple Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors
Fall	Smallmouth Bass	Natural Craw Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Fall	Yellow Perch	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Fall	Muskie	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Purple Colors
Fall	Lake Whitefish	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors
Winter	Walleye	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Purple Colors
Winter	Yellow Perch	Natural Baitfish Colors Purple Colors Light Neutral Colors
Winter	Muskie	Natural Baitfish Colors Metallic Colors Dark Neutrals
Winter	Lake Whitefish	Metallic Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Light Neutral Colors
Ice	Walleye	Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals Metallic Colors
Ice	Yellow Perch	Light Neutral Colors Natural Baitfish Colors Dark Neutrals
Ice	Lake Whitefish	Metallic Colors Light Neutral Colors Natural Baitfish Colors